Sunday, February 28, 2010

At the mention of Alabama, you may start humming the tune of Sweet Home Alabama; but if you are like me, normally the image of tall, sleek, handsome, and ripped male model does not come to mind! But maybe it is high time!

I do not know much about Alabama, but the State has produced a long list of celebrated individuals throughout history: Booker T. Washington, Nat King Cole, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, Jessie Owens, Rosa Parks, Willie Mays, and many more!

Well, now a stunning young model, to whom Alabama is Sweet Home, has hit the runways of his nation’s capital.

Let’s begin talking about your family…I come from a large, close knit family. While I only have a younger brother, (Brandon, age 15) I was raised in conjunction with about 20 cousins on both sides of my family. My dad, John Jr., has 5 sisters and 1 brother; and my mom, Felieicia, has 5 sisters, not to mention my grandparents’ siblings and children (chuckle). The funny part about all this is that, everyday, I saw at least one member of my family other than my parents and brother, because the area is rural and we all attended the same schools. My Cousins and I all had to be "little angels" in school because everyone knew our family and what was expected of us.

Wow! And where did all of this take place?I was born and raised in Phenix City, Alabama, a small town located on the "squiggly" point of the Alabama-Georgia border, right outside of Columbus, Georgia. Phenix City is the type of place that you love to say you’re from but always want to move from. Life was typical for me in Phenix City. Everything I needed, my family could and would provide. I was the average child, energized, and fun to play with. I love my hometown!

What caused you to leave and go to DC?I moved to Washington DC in November of 2009 to pursue my dreams of being a model. I chose DC instead of New York or Los Angeles because I wanted a location that was as busy as the big cities but not as expensive—kind of like a starter course (chuckle). I'm doing pretty darn good if I say so myself.

When did you start modeling?I began to model while in high school—nothing major, just a few high school shows and things of that nature in my area.

What actually launched your career as a model?I got my start from my father, actually. He told me of an opportunity to model with a casting agency; we ended up going on a wild goose chase that led nowhere. While attending the casting call, I was told that I had a “look” and that I would make a good model, so my dad approved and allowed me to pursue it. From the feedback I received, my build was great for the runway and print work, and I wasn't shy in front of a camera.

Were you confident at first?It took me a while to grasp the fact that I was able to model. My parents have always supported in any goal; but at the same time, they’d tell me if something was worth doing. They, along with the rest of my family, gave me positive feedback, giving me the courage and a sense of pride in what I was doing. I had to be told that I was handsome and my family stepped right in!

Tell me about your first time modeling, how did you feel?My first job as a model was at my high school. It was charity fashion show. I was so nervous (chuckle). Why? I don't know, because nobody came. But the show still went on. After graduating high school, I did a few shows in college, and finally dove head first into real modeling. So I can honestly say that DC Fashion week was my first “official” job.

Any current projects?I recently completed a project with Darrell Cortez Menswear here in DC for his spring menswear collection and DC Fashion Week. Coming up are various projects, including a few photo shoots that I’'m producing myself. The next designer I’ll be working with is Andrew Nowell at this point. He was featured during DC Fashion Week. The nation’s capital is filled with designers: Emore’J Couture, Amy McNish, and Custom Looks Clothier. These are a few on my hot list that I plan to work with, if they’ll have me.

Many people think modeling is all glitter. Is it for you?I'm glad you asked!!! The truth is, you've got to work. It can be glamorous, but to get to that point, you got to put in the work. Tyra Banks, Tyson Beckford, and all the others we see with the glamorous lifestyle had to work for it. So after you’ve earned it, the life of a model is just like the life of a coal miner—hard work.

What does the hard work stem from?As a male model, we’ve got to work twice as hard to book shows. And that goes double for black male models. We already have to fit a mold of what designers find appealing for their lines; but what makes it even more difficult is the fact that there aren’t as many designers that focus primarily on the menswear in the industry.

Any other downsides apart from hard work?The only aspects I don’t like about the life of a model are the constant need to exercise (chuckles). You’ve got to stay in shape…and the fact that there are a lot of weirdoes trying to exploit models—word of advice: not everyone with a camera is a legit photographer—I say that to women, especially.

So, what do you enjoy about it?The things I like about the life of a model are the new places you can travel to, the experiences, and the friends you make along the way. When you surround yourself with positive people, you get positive rewards. That applies to all lives, not just a mode’s life.

Do you only see modeling in your future?Modeling is something I see as a career, but I also want to continue my education. A degree in Law is in my future.

What was your impression of the Menswear Collection Show?The Menswear Show during DC Fashion Week was awesome. Just the fact that there was a show just to showcase menswear felt great. I’m glad that I was a part of it. Hopefully it continues to grow and other locations will host the menswear show—the National Mall perhaps (laughter).

It's hard to say goodbye , let alone for a best friends who was always there in times sad or happy. Starting on March 5 one of my best friends had to go abroad to work there. Her name is Titis , beside her Onenk and Ali are three best friends i have throughout my life. But now one of the four of us had to go , in a few months longer possible to follow Onenk. FYI onenk currently 7 months pregnant. While Ali also be out of workplace.Yesterday was the farewell for Titis, but Onenk and Ali could not participate due to work.

Where are you from, Justin?I was born and raised in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Tell me a little about your early years…I was actually a little overweight as a kid and became vegetarian and a health nut at a young age around 13 or 14 to get in shape. I worked with a dietitian to ensure I was making a lifestyle change I could live with. I’m actually a vegan now for both ethical and health reasons.

How did you wind up in DC?I moved to Washington DC in 2004 after college. I originally came to the area to work in politics after working on a major political campaign in Louisiana. I worked for the government for a while and I now work for a consulting company. I consult to the military as a project manager.

When did you develop an interest in modeling?Modeling has been a major goal of mine since high school.

What specifically convinced you that you have what it takes?I realized I might be good at modeling as other people were always saying, “You look like someone I know.” Or I was told I should be a model or that I photograph well, and that I have chiseled facial features. I realized I might have a commodity I can market. I just ran with it after that.

Have you found it easy to “break in”?I tried to work for a few agencies in DC and I was told a range of comments from needing to lose weight and workout more to my photographs are too artsy and busy. I used the constructive criticism and moved forward, but I did not let the negative aspects stop me from achieving my dreams. I am freelancing at present.

So, how did you get your start?The photo shoot and runway show that really started everything was for an unpaid hair show. My hair and eyebrows were died black and a caramel streak was put in the middle of my hair! My hair was a little longer then, so they actually curled it. It took four hours in hair, make-up, and wardrobe to get the look together. I still use the pictures today as I basically look the same minus the crazy hair. All of the casting agents usually love these pictures better than anything else I have done.

Is modeling “all lights” as some may think?Modeling has a few perks: being around beautiful people, exciting events, and top of the line designers. The downside is the long days during runway shows. You also have to be able to handle rejection well as your look is not always what matches the designer’s needs.

What aspects of modeling do you like best?As a model you get to wear clothes that are on the cutting edge of fashion. I appreciate the designers who create thoughtful and well-crafted menswear.

Any real downsides?Bring a book or your iPod because you will be standing around for long hours waiting.

How does male modeling compare to female?There are more opportunities for female models and, oftentimes, male models are needed as accessories and are sent down the runway in just underwear.

Would you consider this your dream career?I am going to give modeling my all and see where it takes me. I have been successful in my consulting job, as well, so I am currently working towards promotion for this June 2010.

And what was your general impression of the Show?I am glad to see the DC fashion community is interested in menswear and that a whole evening was dedicated to a men's runway show. The designers represented a wide range of men's fashion from avant-garde to more standard daily wear. The variety of clothing choices indicates a trend that the men's market is growing.

What would you like to see in the future at DC Fashion Week?I hope to see more adventurous, but functional clothes that will appeal to a wide audience of men.

Let’s continue to explore the depth of talent and creativity in this young DC designer as he speaks about his personal experiences in the nation’s capital and beyond.

How long have you been showing at the DC Fashion Week?I have been showing at DC fashion week since I was 17 Years Old. I was actually Ean Williams first “Youngest Designer” of DC Fashion Week.

What is your opinion about DC Fashion Week?I truly appreciate DC Fashion Week for the services that it provides to let me express myself with no restrictions. As a young student, I never had that so I had to create my own events. I’m truly happy that DC Fashion Week has played an influence in the way I conduct and go about business!

How would you describe the fashion scene in DC?I would describe the fashion scene for men in DC as openly creative. Men have the option to try so many looks and styles of clothing that is amazing. I enjoy the risk that I see men starting to take.

It’s not common to hear DC described this way…I think I am looking at it from an urban perspective, and that’s coming from the Black community, because at first it wasn’t like that. In the Black community, it was always hoodies, shirts, and big clothing—oversized clothing—men hiding their bodies.

What do you see happening?Now in the Black communities, it has definitely changed because men are bolder. The clothing is fitting a little sleeker. They’re going more toward a European type of fit with the clothing, which is excellent. So you’re seeing men playing with colors. You’re seeing the men with their pants more fitted than before and experimenting with dress shoes rather than athletic apparel. So that’s the change that I’m coming from.

How does the DC Black community stand up against LA?I feel that LA is extremely laid back and is not as fashion forward as DC. I currently reside in DC; however, I frequent LA often conducting business in Fashion Media. I feel that, compared to LA, DC is more cutting edge, very daring, which is a good thing. It’s great to see people trying new looks when it comes down to fashion and being themselves.

How does Emore’J Couture play a role in the DC scene?I play a role in this scene, because I’m always on a whole other level when it comes to men’s fashion. I normalize what may seem daring, horrific, scandalous, and over the top.

How would you describe your experience as a Black designer?I think it has been bittersweet. If you may see my work, it is very over the top: my work has a lot of expression and emotion. Sometimes living in the US, it can go over their heads because they don’t get it, they understand it. They don’t look into it deeper—they don’t research.

Do you feel that you would be more accepted elsewhere?I’ve been told that a lot of people overseas would definitely appreciate my work because they’re more into researching the collection—looking deeper into it, looking at the symbolism that’s going on within my collection. I feel that, in America, they do love me and they appreciate my creativity. But at the same time, it kind of goes over their head because of the symbolism, the meaning, and the purposes.

What does the future hold for Emore’J Couture?I am moving more into fashion entertainment, such as I have my own show on YouTube—Emore’J Couture TV. I do a lot of event hosting: I interview a lot of up-and-coming artists, designers, models, and producers; I cover a lot of events. So, I am moving more into fashion entertainment because I believe that is what I want to do. I love fashion design, but my heart is really in production as in creating events and creating a whole mood.

Any closing words for the readers around the world who may be aspiring designers?It’s easy, just do it! I mean who cares, jump into it. Do it; if it’s wrong, do it again! If it’s not right, fix it up and just keep doing it and doing it and doing it. As you go on, if you are smart and wise, eventually it will get better. But there is no other advice than to do it!

For further reading, see my first exclusive interview with Emore’J Couture.

Beyond the resourceful creativeness of this talented 23-year-old designer, however, there stands a humble young man who has been shaped by adversity.

Refusing to allow nothing hold him down, Emore’J Couture has risen to the top simply by following his passion and dreams.

So, I’m honored to introduce you to the man, Emore’J Couture—a source of inspiration for both you and me!

Can you tell me a bit about where you are from and how you grew up?I was born & raised in Washington DC. Growing up in the urban city of Washington DC was tough, considering I’m naturally an artist and love visuals. DC at the time when I was growing up and attending middle school and high school was not big on fashion design or fashion support groups. Learning to design, produce events, and market myself was all self taught.

How did this adverse situation shape you?The rough experiences I received in school, such as bulling, harassment for being creative, and ridicule helped me charge my creative energy in a positive way to become greater than my environment.

What kind of formal training in fashion design did you have?None! I didn’t have any formal training. I do want to take that up one day, some actual sowing classes and maybe a fashion design degree…but up to now I have been going off on my own natural talent to create.

When did you really feel the urge to design?I knew I wanted to do design when I was in high school. I enjoyed creating unique looks for myself and others. I was more focused on wearing shocking outfits than school itself.

So, now, do you design with the goal of shocking the audience?That’s exactly what I am doing. I love to be a shocker to keep your eyes open and jaws dropping. That’s my whole purpose—to continue to showcase creative art, avant-garde fashion, high fashion.

What led you into designing?Certain factors and influences that led me to design were freedom of expression, appreciation of my natural talent, and the art field itself.

Do any of these factors influence your designs?Various attributes inspire my designs and premieres of a new collection. It can be a situation in my life, which could be good or bad; so I will create a collection off of my emotions and how I feel at that time. Certain political situations in society have influenced my collections; for example, my APPARATUS Collection. This collection represents the lack of emotion, love, and compassion that humans have developed for one another.

What other political situaions affect your designs?I could definitely first say the gay marriage influenced my collection a lot, because of how it was banned or made illegal. Even some of the garments, I have two females tied together, bonded together—and to me that symbolizes love. That’s likely an example of a political statement that I was bringing through my collection.

Tell me more about how your personal emotions come into play…When it comes to my personal style, I kind of go off of the emotions and how I feel that day. If the sun is out, I would rather give a very preppy J. Crew look, but if it is cloudy and just dull, then I make a cloudy emotional dark type of feel with my garments. When it comes to a collection, it kind of goes off of something happening in society, or how I feel about technology, or how technology is changing. That’s kind of how you see it in my new collection: it’s very dark; a lot of the flesh is covered up. It’s pretty much how I feel about society.

Does any one thing in particular guide your creativity?I really don’t have any groundbreaking philosophy, except that my collections usually leave people thinking about things other than fashion, such as sexuality, spirituality, and diversity.

How would you sum up the Emore’J Couture look?I would some up my particular look or style of design as unpredictable: you never know what Emore’J Couture will bring to the runway!

So,who is the Emore J Couture kind of man?I would say it would have to be your bold type man, definitely a celebrity figure, to wear my garments. My work is just for art purposes, just to showcase artistically. Other than that, if there is a huge extravaganza coming up, then my pieces are definitely worn. But it’s definitely not ready to wear!

I think this year the gloves could be one of the fashion accessories that will be the trend again. Let's see this photo from Burberry Prorsum Collection fashion show in Milan Fashion Week two years ago.

Andrew Nowell is probably one of the nicest guys that you can know! He is one of those fellows that make you feel at home, relaxed—you just want to kick your shoes off, sit back, and talk about whatever is on your mind.

Don’t misunderstand me, though. Andrew Nowell may be down to earth, but he is also intense in his feelings, pensive in thought, and very reflective with every spoken word.

Your profile reads that your design philosophy is rooted in the New York cultures of hip hop, R&B, and rock… So, how do you translate music into menswear?By simply looking at the icons of each music genre, such as David Bowie, Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, Kanye West, and even Michael Jackson and taking little elements. I then put my own spin on them, and this is what comes out on the runway. As you saw in my collection tonight, there were drop-crotch pants, which come from the hip hop influence of Kanye West…

Previously you stated that you design for men to feel sexy…. How do you define ‘sexy’?Just being aware of your sensuality, your body, you ability to attract others—and with that, feeling confident. I think everyone wants to feel that way…and now it is changing for men. For the longest time, men were not allowed to feel sexy, because they equated it with being vulgar.

How do you bring sexiness into your designs?What I do is try to focus on the cut of a man’s physique. Nowadays, men are going to the gym, not for health reasons but to look great on the beach or in a tank top: they want to feel sexy. So, that is who I am designing for.

Last week, you summed up your look as ‘modern’, ‘edgy’, ‘sexy’, and ‘restrained’… How do you combine ‘restraint’ with the other characteristics?Well, there is a fine line between good design and costume, and what keeps it from going over to the costume is restraint—being able to pull back. Whereas some people go all out and do something that is totally eccentric; it looks great on stage, but not a lot of people can wear it. In my design process, I do take it to that point, but then I ask myself, “What can I do to make it a little more wearable, a little more believable, and not so far out into outer space?”

Tell me something about the collection tonight…I just wanted to capture the essence of masculinity in all its different forms. For example, the fur coat with the leather pants is inspired by the illustrations of Tom of Finland; the fitted suits are a little bit of David Bowie, the sexy rocker. A lot of these influences played out on the runway this evening…even the military influence of the aviator.

What inspired the aviator look?I was thinking a little of Amelia Earhart… I was looking at an old movie with the Red Barron, and I really got into the costumes, wondering what I could bring into my work, such as the goggles, the leggings, the boots... But there was a lot of mixing from different periods and influences, as well.

How do you define the Andrew Nowell kind of man?The Andrew Nowell man is a confident man who feels good about himself and his body. He is knowledgeable of music, arts, and culture.

Is there a country that you have visited where the men’s fashion impressed you?I would say Benidorm, Spain. The men wear what they want to wear, whatever color they like, because they are free-thinking people and not bogged down by what others think they should wear. I thought it was great to see that—such a freedom!

What do you do when you are not designing?Go to the gym; eat gray boring food… (Chuckle)

True to his word, the line displayed an eclectic mix of ethnic blends and cultural flavors.

At the end of the gala, I was more than eager to sit down with Ray and become better acquainted with him; besides, I had so many questions after his first interview with me.

Last week, Ray, you said that you began designing because you wanted to express your own personality… Yes.So how would you describe yourself?Very eclectic! I have always picked pieces from very different genres and put them together to represent how I was feeling that day or what I was doing in my life at that time.

How did you become so ‘eclectic’?Actually from my family… I have Ethiopian in my family. My mother’s maiden name is McQuaige, so we have Scottish—obviously African, and Native American as well. So there is a big mixture of many different cultures and we have always celebrated them all. It was never one culture; it was always a mixture of all the different cultures.

How did you carry that over to your designs?I was raised being told about my background: my family made a family history tree. As I went into it, finding out what was going on, I saw the cultures, the clothing, the colors, the fabrics—everything! And I just embraced it, because I thought it was all part of me.

Who is the man that wears Ray Vincente?The Ray Vincente man is very much an individualist. He’s a gentleman who knows how to be “gentle” with other people. He is also a masculine male, [but] not macho. He is comfortable in his own skin, not trying to be someone else, and he wants his clothing to represent who he is.

In what way can a man be an individualist with Ray Vincente?With the clothing line, I never tell people to dress head to toe with Ray Vincente. I say, “Take pieces from the collection, mix it in with what you have, and make it your own.”

Last week, you told me that you want to establish a unique look… So how do you define ‘unique’?Unique goes back to individualism. I think if everybody takes pieces and works with what they have—both their body and their closets—they will be nothing but unique, because everybody has their own personality. So use it to learn what your body is like, what your likes and dislikes are, and pick pieces that compliment that. And don’t be afraid to try things. Sometimes we are stuck in, “We can only wear this or only wear that.” If you don’t like it, just take it off! (Chuckle)

How do you think American men’s fashion compares to the many places that you have visited abroad?I think American men are becoming curious about clothing, because we have been very straightforward for years. In the past when we saw influences from Europe or South Africa, we thought, “Hmm, we can’t wear that; it doesn’t work for us.” But, now, we are starting to see men open up and try things to find out what can work—other than jeans and a t-shirt. (Chuckle)

Where do you envision Ray Vincente going?I actually want it to be an international company. I want it to be a company that can offer jobs to young people that are getting into the field. I want it to become a company that develops over time into a lifestyle brand. I want it to be something that is very socially conscious…and to represent my faith. I believe in God and His Word, so I want to make sure that the line always keeps that in mind and doesn’t go too far one way or the other.

Any words for the readers around the globe?Welcome to Ray Vincente! I think many cultures from around the world will look at Ray Vincente and see a part of themselves in it, and I believe that will be a welcome in itself.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I arrived to Washington DC last Saturday very eager to attend the Menswear Collection Show of DC Fashion Week, which is organized by Ean Williams, creative director of Corjor International.

Having already interviewed several designers, I was extremely excited to meet them individually and view their runway collections later that evening.

After an exotic lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant in Adams Morgan—spicing it up a bit—I ventured back to the Doubletree Hotel and “hung around” the show area to greet the designers as they straggled in.

I first met the host, Ean Williams—an energetic, kind, lively young man, who is deeply committed to the promotion of aspiring designers.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Ean had turned in a career with the Air Force, NASA, and Verizon for a life as a couturier in his nation’s capital.

In addition to designing for his own label, Ean is an advisory board member for the Black Designers Association, Inc.

The pre-show atmosphere was so relaxed, so laid back: all the designers greeted me with a big hug and a huge smile! I truly felt at home; so I want to extend a supersized “thank you” back to all of them!

Please join with me over the next few articles to meet the designers!

In the meanwhile, I invite you to a preview of the show, courtesy of Style Spot.